Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

GRADE: B+

THIS FILM IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

IN BRIEF: A very entertaining documentary that showcases one of America's most legendary musical icon's diverse legacy.

JIM'S REVIEW: It is that voice, that distinctive sound that ranges from vulnerable laments to hard rock belting that made Linda Ronstadt a musical icon. Directed with loving care by filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, this documentary follows this singer's journey from her early days with The Stone Poneys to a solo career which encompassed rock, pop, country, Broadway, American standards, and traditional Mexican music. A rich and varied musical legacy unmatched by anyone else.

Back in the late sixties, while rhythm & blues, folk, pop, and country music openly celebrated the female singers of that era, rock & roll was mostly a man's world. Sure a few powerhouse female vocalists broke through and made their presence known... Janis Joplin, Grace Slick...and a young unassuming talent named Linda Ronstadt. A new documentary, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, is a straight forward biography about this trailblazer who championed women's rights and many liberal causes. One remains in awe of this spirited singer who was more interested in facing her own vocal challenges to excel in her craft than stay the course with a successful formulaic musical career. She was unafraid to try a host of musical genres even when the record producers said no to her requests. The film showcases many of her concerts and musical performances with archival footage that captures her unmistakable artistry and determination.

The filmmakers compile some wonderful musical segments and intersperse them with praise-worthy interviews by friends and colleagues. Providing background information and exposition of Ms. Ronstadt's legendary career are: Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Asher, and Aaron Neville, to name a few. Now that's a cast of characters! Directors Mr. Epstein and Mr. Friedman craft their documentary skillfully mixing the narrative with the song lyrics so seamlessly that the end result never feels like short snippets of a performance. One savors the words and the music throughout this excellent documentary.

The film is highly entertaining with a touch of the bittersweet, as Ms. Ronstadt was forced into an early retirement due to the loss of muscle control from her on-going bout with Parkinson's disease. (There is a touching moment that shows her inner strength and willpower when she and family members sing a song together that is quite moving and brought this reviewer to tears.)

Still, like many biographies, the storytelling is conventionally presented. The beginning of the film uses Ms. Ronstadt's own narration from her 2011 memoir and her line delivery comes off as too businesslike and awkward. She sings much better than she reads. Fortunately, the filmmakers lose that approach very early and focus more on the music and comments from others to tell her backstory, which works beautifully. Another minor flaw is the avoidance of any negative information as the film skims over her diet pill addiction issues and her romantic relationships, strictly staying in line with only her musical accomplishments. (While former lover, J.D. Southern, is interviewed for the film, the absence of former Governor Jerry Brown is quite telling and a real omission to her personal story.)

For a woman who took such bold and great stride to advance her craft, the singer deserves a more fearless and daring treatment of her life story. But that is not the intent of these filmmakers (or perhaps Ms. Ronstadt herself). Instead, they create an affectionate tribute and a long-standing testament to Ms. Ronstadt's varied career choices with a myriad of her achievements (10 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, Tony Award and Golden Globe nominations, etc.). It is a loving valentine, a warts-and-none retelling of her life and her numerous musical highlights. Just being able to see and hear her vocal interpretations to songs such as Blue Bayou or Long, Long Time or Get Closer confirms a remarkable repertoire that will last for decades to come.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice may be the sweetest sound you'll ever hear. Go see this documentary and be totally captivated by this superstar and her rich musical heritage. To know her is to love her.

"Linda Ronstadt:The Sound of My Voice" is one strong doc that shows and tells the story of a folk rock music legend. From her humble start in Arizona to her travel to L.A for fame and stardom, it was clear that Linda was determined to make it big! Also family and her Mexican background would always blend her music which included country, pop, rock, and love folk ballads. Interviews from family, friends, and other acts are touching. It was clear too that Linda had a gift of a strong voice and she shined as a female in a dominated male field of singers. She was also outspoken for women and human rights, also spotlighted is her relationship with former California governor Jerry Brown. Overall well done doc of a singing legend who touched many of our hearts with her voice!

"I had a galvanised voice: I could sing through a 105 fever or a flu or a root canal or anything that you could throw at me." Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice is a perfect documentary about a rock star: It's not the confessional like David Crosby: Remember My Name, not fanciful about Bruce Springsteen in Blinded by the Light, nor romantic like the Beatles' almost-tribute Yesterday.

It is authentic about the titular gifted lady, who could step into any genre easily, and who could win the audience's heart without falsification.

To hear her sing Different Drum is to be hurtled back to the '60's and '70's when a good folk-rock song could make you believe that women were empowered: "All I'm saying is I'm not ready/For any person, place, or thing to try and pull the reins in on me-e-e-e-e." When you see her, Dolly, and Emmy sing together, you want more, and you forget how tough it was to break through the male-dominated rock scene.

Directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman deftly guide the audience through the small lives of friends as well as the big musical moments that define Linda's life. As she guides herself through light opera and Mexican music, we can't help but be further curious while respecting her we'll-earned privacy. That the Mexican album sold the most for Spanish-speaking albums in history is testament to her ability to do well whatever she wanted to do.

This doc is exemplary for giving some lengthy time watching Linda sing as well as just right for the biographical information and talking-head commentary. Her acceptance of Parkinson's disease later in life is another testament to a woman of courage. In fact, there are more achieving women in this doc than in Wonder Woman.

"I miss singing every day. I can't sing anymore. My voice doesn't work. I have Parkinson's disease, and it sometimes takes my words away from me." Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice is all you need to know about her and her music. Enjoy.

What a wonderful experience... lots of terrific concert footage. She truly could sing anything, any style. This is a must for fans and those who, for lack of age or perhaps being in a long-term coma, are unfamiliar with her delightfully outspoken character and phenomenal pipes... my only regret is that it could have easily been an extra half-hour long. Cannot get enough of her!!

I loved this film, as Linda Ronstadt's music is part of my history growing up. It was great to see the vast range of her styles and variety of her many, many hits --something I didn't take note as it is happening amidst all the other factors of growing up. I would have given this movie 10 stars but it is more of a positive spin with some allusions to the obstacles she faced, rather than a revealing bio-pic. Nothing as telling as the bio-pics of Freddie Mercury or Elton John that are both truly superb pictures because as fans we gained insight into their struggles as well on their way to success. To be fair, there is some discussion about drugs, sexism and health issues, but it is not critical to the film. I totally enjoyed the film because it was sort of "greatest hits" of LR, (her actual performances) with famous people commenting and some fun collaborations thrown into the mix. Well done and keeps your interest throughout. If you like Linda Ronstadt's music, you will enjoy this film!